: Diana Ferreira - Viewing Profile

I use 2 toilet rolls in a bucket of slip. Casted some really awesome and thin work with it. I was able to really break down the paper with my 'blender tool bit on the drill' and got a very smooth mix and a smooth slipcasted end-result.

I am aware that particles of already set plaster will increase the setting time of plaster. For that reason it is important to clean your mixing bucket very well. I use a sieve when I cast to make a master. Lumps in the plaster will cause an uneven hardness in the setting plaster, and make it difficult to cut evenly. When making a mold (for casting clay) you also have to make sure that the plaster is evenly mixed, as lumpy areas might affect the absorption rate of the water from the clay. It can give uneven casting jobs. But I am sure that mixing in preset plaster can have applications in other things. I prefer to add luke warm water to my plaster.

I have a little box (with air vents) and a fan heater that moves and blows warm air. It's got a thermostat, and will shut down if it gets too hot inside the box. Most molds (small and medium) dries overnight.

Plaster molds that fits into a microwave could be dried out in that. Defrost or low setting, about 10 minutes at a go. (My ex, a professional modeller and moldmaker) taught me that trick.

It is a good documentary, and worthy of the Oscar it won. But like Muddylane, we are all weirded out by the fact that he was totally unknown in the USA.

interesting views, everyone! And thanks for the links. I am spending my first real day-off in months, so I am going to enjoy reading more about this.